I am really curious to know if the Wii Fit could actually be used as an exercise tool, or if it is just a device to make parents feel less guilty about abandoning their children in front of the TV.

Luckily, I was able to get a hold of a Wii Fit this week (Thank you ToysRUs.com).  The Balance Board and Wii Fit game has been a new fun toy to play with on my breaks from studying for the Bar.  When you first sign-in to Wii Fit, you select a Mii to represent you and then you begin a body test.  The body test involves getting your height, weight and age, and then having you perform a balance test.  The results produce your “Wii Fit Age” as well as providing you with your BMI and weight.  The scale was accurate, but sadly the Balance Board is not able to calculate your muscle mass.  My dad registered as obese.  Dad is not obese.  He can bench press two of me and his biceps are thicker than my head.  Big he is, but not obese.

I however, measured overweight.  Not a shocker as I know I am heavy for my height.  Wii Fit gives you the option to set BMI/Weight goals after telling you how big you are.  It was a pleasant surprise to see that they recommend you not try and lose too much weight too fast.  Overall, I have found that the Wii Fit provides some really great fitness advice.  Plus, they re-enforce the game aspect by providing you with a FitBank that stores all of your FitCredits.  You earn credits for training.  The more credits you earn, the more games you unlock.

Speaking of training, you have four training options: Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics and Balance Games.  I will not lie, I love the Balance Games.  I have unlocked them all already.  You are still using your body, although not to the extent you do in the other training areas.  But the four training areas give you a well-rounded approach to fitness.

So will Wii Fit help you lose weight?  I don’t have an answer for you after 4 days of fun.  I can tell you that I have worked up a a sweat more than once.  I have had a sore bottom and sore legs the following day.  I have been down right WORN OUT!  But I will have to get back to you on the weight loss part.